West Ham have taken steps to improve their style of play by appointing former Hammers and England striker Teddy Sheringham as the club's new attacking coach.

The 48-year-old, who scored 147 goals in the Premier League, has joined West Ham on a part-time basis and will begin work during pre-season.

The move comes after manager Sam Allardyce was told by the club's owners to produce more "entertainment" in the new campaign.

"I'm very excited," said Sheringham, who played alongside Allardyce at Millwall as a youngster.

"Sam phoned me a week or so ago and asked me if I fancied it. It was far too good to resist really.

"Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well.

"They've got a lot of respect for Sam, they speak very highly of him and to know that's the case made me want to get involved.

"I know the environment, I know everything about West Ham, so it was just too good an opportunity to turn down."

Sheringham hung up his boots in 2008 after a 24-year career that included winning the treble with Manchester United in 1999.

After signing for Championship side West Ham in 2004, the striker enjoyed an impressive opening season, scoring 21 goals to fire the Hammers back into the top flight.

He went on to score 30 goals in 87 appearances for the club before making his final move to Colchester in 2007.

Sheringham will be charged with adding potency to Allardyce's attack, which scored only 40 goals in the league last season.

"Having played as a striker for years, Sam wants me to add something along those lines. Anything I can do to be of help, I'm very willing," he said.

"I obviously know (Andy) Carroll, (Carlton) Cole and Kevin Nolan and I understand there'll be a few more forward players that I could be working with and alongside to help improve."

West Ham supporters grew frustrated last season with the team's direct style of play and regularly jeered after underwhelming performances at Upton Park.

The fans' disillusion came to a head in March when they booed after the Hammers' 2-1 victory over Hull, to which Allardyce cupped his ears in disbelief.

Earlier this month, the manager's position was confirmed but the club outlined a number of "improvements" to be made including a more entertaining brand of football, the recruitment of an attacking coach and more influence from the owners in transfers.

Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate became the club's first signing of the summer on Wednesday.